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3 Injuries That May Be Hidden After A Car Accident

Car Accident Lawyer

In the aftermath of a car accident, when adrenaline and emotions run high, some injuries are not always immediately apparent. In fact, it can take anywhere from 24 hours to a few weeks for serious car crash related injuries to manifest. Below are 3 of the most common injuries that may be hidden after a car accident:

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc is a common car accident related back injury. It occurs when the soft center of a spinal disk pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This injury often happens when a person experiences whiplash in a car accident. The bulging disk can put pressure on and inflame nerves coming out of the spine. Symptoms include intense pain in the buttock, thigh, calf, shoulder, and/or arm. There may also be numbness or tingling and a weakness in the affected muscles.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Car accidents are one of the top three leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. While riding in car, the head is exposed to any number of objects that could cause arm if struck with force, including the steering wheel, the windshield, the back of the head rest, etc. Even if the head doesn’t strike an object, the sheer force of the collision can cause the brain to collide against the internal hard ones of the skull, resulting in a brain injury. Symptoms often include headaches, chronic pain, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, etc. and don’t always manifest themselves immediately after an accident.

PTSD

PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, including car accidents. Someone involved in a traumatic car accident may experience nightmares, insomnia, flashbacks, and unpredictable emotions. People may also have anxiety and fear in and around cars. If these symptoms persist for longer than three months, cause great distress, and/or disrupt a person’s personal life, help should be sought from a professional who specializes in mental health.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

No matter how well you feel, or how minor your injuries appear, always seek immediate medical attention after a car accident. Certain injuries are not always apparent on the surface, and you’ll want to be sure to have a medical professional exam you right away to see if you are in danger of suffering from such an injury.

If you think you may have suffered any of the above injuries due to a car accident, contact a law office. An experienced car accident lawyer Central Phoenix, AZ offers can help you understand what sort of damages you may be entitled to and will fight to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Thanks to Kamper Estrada, LLP for their insight into car accidents and injuries that may be hidden after an accident.